Death-row prisoners allowed to perform Haj

, Oct 6: Saudi authorities have allowed prisoners sentenced to death to perform

as part of their last wishes, media reported Monday.

In 2009, the Directorate of Prisons carried out a study to examine the possibility of granting prisoners the opportunity to perform Haj, particularly those sentenced to long jail sentences, Arab News reported.

The study reviewed obstacles in the way of prisoners' Haj, including the period needed to perform the rites, which usually takes seven to 10 days.

The directorate said the current pilgrimage programmes for prisoners were carried out in accordance with a judicial order issued for some prisoners.

The directorate has since launched new religious programmmes that focussed on promoting awareness, repentance and self-accountability among prisoners.

IANS